Paramount Skydance signals streaming not a priority

New leadership at Skydance Paramount signals a tactical shift toward theatrical releases and a variable window approach for films.

Paramount Skydance Prioritizes Theatrical Releases

The leadership team at Skydance Paramount held a press briefing in Los Angeles to discuss how films will be released under the new ownership. CEO David Ellison, president Jeff Shell, and streaming chief Cindy Holland outlined a clear emphasis on theatrical releases and a more selective role for streaming. The executives talked about windows as a flexible tool, not a one size fits all rule, and highlighted ongoing talks with theater partners about how long a film should run in theaters before moving to on demand.

Shell stressed that different films deserve different windows and that theatrical is a core part of the strategy. He referenced conversations with theater operators and said Paramount would carefully evaluate the value of each release window rather than applying a blanket rule. Holland was blunt about her stance on streaming, saying that streaming movies are not a priority for her, signaling a broader shift away from streaming as the primary growth engine for the studio.

This is a strategic pivot that could reshape how Paramount balances audience access, marketing heft, and cash flow. A stronger theatrical focus may please theater owners and investors seeking predictable box office returns, but it could heighten backlash from viewers who favor quick streaming access. The policy mix also creates room for varied release plans across titles, a move that could help the studio tailor campaigns to each film’s strengths while risking a more complex release calendar.

The shift comes as Skydance Paramount enters a new era under fresh leadership after the acquisition. By framing window decisions around value rather than a fixed schedule, the studio signals a more nuanced approach to monetization. If successful, the strategy could reinforce the power of the cinema release as a marketing engine; if not, it may invite scrutiny over long term subscriber growth, platform partnerships, and the studio’s ability to compete with platforms that prize immediate streaming availability.

Highlights

The industry will watch closely how these shift in timing and emphasis play out across a slate of upcoming films.